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Chester Smith is a respected musician, talented performer
and exciting addition to today's jazz scene, particularly in the Bay
area where he now makes his home. Back in 1977, his "Jazz Machine"
opened for the Larry Coryell show in Philadelphia to a full house of
adoring fans that would follow him from gig to gig. |
| Organist and composer Chester Smith is finishing up the final pages of a new book called Digital Progress. Digital Progress is a comprehensive fully illustrated guide to the fascinating world of electronic organs. The book tells the story of an instrument that created an industry, and a unique way of expressing music. Part historical, reference and educational, Digital Progress reveals the beginning of the pedalboard, combination pistons, add-on rhythm units and the transference of the electronic organs into high-tech instruments with the introduction of digital technology. Discover how the electronic organ business went from dominating retail sales to struggling for a profit. Filled with photos, the book also features interviews with artists, engineers and people who contribute to the interesting world of electronic organs. |
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Merging New Technologies with Tradition The Chester Smith FOX Special is a fabulous instrument conceived from twenty-five years in product design. It’s a tribute to 20th Century FOX Motion Pictures and the FOX Theaters. Chester’s new instrument is also a tribute to the era of Robert Hope-Jones, who provided a wealth of ideas that made Wurlitzer the largest and most respected theater organ builder. It was the greatest era in the history of the organ. Chester incorporated many useful features like, inclining keyboards, adjustable combination pistons under each keyboard, and concave-radial pedalboard. These things relieved the organist of useless physical exertion. |
© Chester E. Smith, 2003
